Super-Chunk Chipotle Chili

Makes10-12 servings

Active time: 45 minTotal time: 4 hr

Chili is often flavored with dried Mexican chiles, but this chili recipe requires no special ingredients beyond chipotle chiles in adobo, which are available at most supermarkets these days. They add a nice punch of heat and smoke to this manly main with its big chunks of boneless chuck.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Transfer bacon with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain. Increase heat to medium-high and brown beef in fat in pot, in 4 or more batches without crowding, about 6 minutes per batch. Transfer meat as browned to a plate.

Pour off all but 3 tablespoons fat from pot (add vegetable oil if you don’t have enough fat left), then add onions, peppers, and garlic. Sauté vegetables, stirring occasionally, until they begin to brown, 8 to 10 minutes.

Stir in paprika and cumin and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Return beef to pot along with any juices accumulated on the plate. Stir in oregano, bay leaf, tomatoes with juice, and chipotle to taste. Bring liquid to a simmer, breaking up tomatoes with a wooden spoon, and cover pot.

Adjust heat to keep it at a simmer and continue to simmer, covered, stirring occasionally and breaking up tomatoes with spoon, until beef is very tender, 2 3/4 to 3 1/4 hours.